There is only one Route 66. It starts in Chicago, Illinois and we couldn’t believe how much you can see and do on a three-day family road trip. See for yourself.
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum © Enjoy Illinois
Route 66 opened in November 1926 and is now one of the most iconic road trips in the world. Stretching 2,448 miles all the way from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica in California, it’s affectionately known as the Mother Road and the go-to reference for just about every other long-distance route on earth (the North Coast 500 actually refers to itself as ‘Scotland’s Route 66’, and it’s not alone).
Doing the full trip from coast to coast is an epic undertaking, especially with kids in the car, but it’s definitely one for the wish-list – maybe when they’re past the “are we there yet?” stage! For now we’ve put together an easy, three-day road trip that works for all ages, with plenty of space for pit stops, along with legendary attractions, pretty towns, big cities and some of the most stunning Illinois’ countryside.
Do all three-days or just have a day out, it’s up to you, but you really shouldn’t visit Illinois without setting wheels on Route 66. Here’s how it’s done.
Old Joliet Prison, Joliet © Enjoy Illinois
Day 1 – Drive from breakfast in Chicago to giants in Lincoln
Ready to get your kicks on Route 66? It all starts at the iconic sign on the corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue. Or does it?
In fact, as any parent knows, a road trip starts with fuelling up kids and on this one, the place for that is Lou Mitchell’s. Opened in 1923, it’s a classic American diner, predates Route 66 by three years, and knows a thing or two about avoiding ‘hangry’ moments on the Mother Road.
Proper breakfast dealt with, it’s time to head south of Chicago to Joliet. Older kids and lovers of vintage comedy will want to drop in to Old Joliet Prison, which starred in the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers. Classic cars are up next in Pontiac where you need to grab a selfie with the mural in front of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum.
Paul Bunyon Statue, Atlanta © Enjoy Illinois
Then it’s on to the town of Normal, which is anything but. Even more out of the ordinary is Atlanta. Don’t shout at the GPS, there’s an Atlanta in Illinois too and this one is home to a giant Paul Bunyon. Although if it’s really enormous you’re after, hold out for the World’s Largest Covered Wagon. It’s in Lincoln, today’s last stop.
World’s Largest Covered Wagon, Atlanta, Illinois © Enjoy Illinois
What not to miss on Route 66 today
- Old Joliet Prison looks more like a fairy tale castle than a jail, but don’t be fooled. Some of the most infamous characters in Illinois’ history were locked up here, take the excellent guided tour for a full who’s who.
- Curious about the Mother Road’s backstory? Anything you want to know, you’ll find it at the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac.
Pontiac Oakland Museum © Enjoy Illinois
- You can’t stop in Pontiac without paying homage to classic American automobiles, check out the Pontiac Art Cars on display in downtown and do just that.
- Pit stop at Ryburn Place in Normal to see the super-fancy, one-time gas station at Ryburn Place – another classic photo op.
- In its heyday, Route 66 was lined with huge Muffler Men statues. Only a few are still standing and one of the best loved is the Paul Bunyon hot dog statue in Atlanta.
- If you’re in a real retro mood, drop into Atlanta’s Route 66 Arcade Museum and challenge the kids to a game (or 20) of pinball.
- Another museum worth making a stop for in Atlanta is the American Giants Museum which celebrates all things Muffler Men and, in a extra kitsch move, is even designed like a vintage Texaco petrol station.
- You know you’re in the Land of Lincoln when you catch sight of the World’s Largest Covered Wagon driven by none other than the 16th President of the United States.
Young Lincoln diorama, Lincoln Presidential Library, Springfield © Enjoy Illinois
Day 2 – pull into Springfield and load up on legends
Chicago might be Illinois’ biggest city, but five minutes in historic Springfield leaves you in no doubt about which is the state capital.
It’s not all about President Lincoln here, but a lot of it is, and turns out that’s a good thing because when it comes to fascinating lives and times, the former POTUS is tough to match.
Start at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for the full Springfield-to-The-White-House story; lots of interactive exhibits to keep kids happy. The Old State Capitol is another unmissable photo op and history buffs will be interested to know it was here that Lincoln delivered his immortal, House Divided speech in 1858.
Legends Neon Park © Enjoy Illinois
There’s history of a totally different sort at the new Legends Neon Park in Springfield where the vast signs that once dotted all along Route 66 have been restored or recreated in all their dazzling glory. And if you’re road-tripping in summer, cool-down with Knights Action Park’s mix of waterpark fun, mini-golf and drive-in movies.
Lincoln Tomb, Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield © Enjoy Illinois
What not to miss on Route 66 today
- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield covers over 40,000ft² of space and includes interactive displays and galleries, as well as theatres. And there isn’t a thing you want to know about Lincoln you won’t find here.
- If you really want to put your wheels down on history, drive the Historic Route 66 Brick Road section in Auburn. It stretches for 1.4 scenic miles and there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world.
- Don’t miss a photo op at the Old State Capitol where Lincoln practiced law and gave possibly one of the most quoted speeches of his very quote-worthy career.
Cozy Dog Drive In, Springfield © Enjoy Illinois
Drive in and order up the OG corn dog
- Introduce your hungry kids to the great tradition of corn dogs, right where they were invented, at Springfield’s Cozy Dog Drive In: lovers of all things vintage will be in heaven.
- More nostalgia is on the menu at Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, which is not only the prime place to try a Springfield Horseshoe sandwich, it’s also packed with Route 66 signage and memorabilia. Plus, time your visit right, and you may even catch one of the live acts at The Motordome.
- Route 66 Legends Neon Park brings you the brightest of signs that once lit up the length of Route 66.
- Knights Action Park delivers the best summer cool-down in Springfield. And when you’re done splashing about in the waterpark, finish the day with a round of mini-golf and a classic movie experience at the Route 66 Drive-In Theater.
Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton © Enjoy Illinois
Day 3 – drive Great Rivers Country and cross the mighty Mississippi
Yes, Route 66 is about great cities and iconic sights, but it’s also about charming small towns so quaint that it’s hard to believe real people live there – they definitely do. It’s about big adventures too and, of course, the spectacular Illinois landscape comes into play as well.
Heading south of Springfield takes you to Great Rivers Country and brings you into contact with the stunning Grafton Bluffs. It gives you the chance to catch waterpark thrills and soar into sunsets. Then it brings you back to earth with the nostalgia of old fashioned soda fountains, cute cafés and classic diners. And if you’re up for some shopping, this is also the stretch of Route 66 where you can discover the great Illinois’ tradition of antiquing.
Pink Elephant Antique Mall, Staunton © Enjoy Illinois
What not to miss on Route 66 today
- Book a tour of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton. A wonderland of motor memorabilia, it’s named after both its extensive collection of vintage VW Rabbits (you’ll know them better as Volkswagen Golfs) and its real rabbits: only one of the two is trained to do tricks.
- More than 50 dealers have set up shop in Staunton’s Pink Elephant Antique Mall, so drop in ready to browse, chat to the locals and probably buy something too.
- Collinsville is where to spot the Largest Catsup Bottle in the World, and marvel at the enduring appeal of retro roadside attractions.
- A walk over the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a must-do on Route 66. It links Illinois and Missouri, but best of all, it crosses over the Mississippi River and walks don’t get much more iconic than that.
Grafton Skytour Gondolas © Enjoy Illinois
- Hop off the road and into the sky on a gondola ride at Aerie’s Resort and Grafton Sky Tours. Try and time it for the sunset soar, it’s a holiday memory-maker.
- Just for fun, and plenty of it, Raging Rivers Waterpark is a summer essential on this stretch of Route 66.
- Slow down, pull up a stool at the counter and indulge in some sweet time-gone-by vibes at Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard.
- The Great River Road is one of Illinois’ Seven Scenic Byways and where Route 66 meets the Mississippi. Take a detour for the stunning scenery along its 550-mile long stretch and you can also say you drove beside probably the most famous river in the US.
Where to stay on your Route 66 road trip
One thing you should never do on Route 66 is rush, not least because taking your time is the best excuse to indulge in some great Illinois hospitality. Plan to stay overnight and you’ll be amazed by the options from cosy cabins in magnificent state parks to vintage motels for classic road trip vibes, luxury city hotels, quaint B&Bs in historic towns and even sustainable stays to give your Route 66 adventure a responsible edge.
Now plan your next family adventure with Enjoy Illinois
